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Get Marty: City Changes Policies For Razing Dilapidated Homes

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- "We've changed due to your report. We changed the way we do business as a city."

That revealing statement is from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto's Chief of Staff Kevin Acklin.

Acklin responded to a Get Marty request to step up for city residents. Folks across Pittsburgh have complained about jobs started by the city that aren't finished.

"It's a disgrace," says Rachel Serbin.

Serbin's 88-year-old grandmother lives in a row house. Last April, the city tore down a collapsing house next door. That left the Serbin home exposed to the elements. Since last April there have been rats in the house.

There has also been damage to the home as a result of the expose walls.

The Serbin family was desperate for help. They wanted the city to live up to their promise to fix the exposed wall, called a party wall.

"Look, this is a good program. But we need to make certain when we tear down a home, we fix the exposed party wall at the same time," says Acklin.

Acklin also says the city will take a look at all city projects carried out in the same way.

"When you brought this to our attention we jumped on it," says Acklin.

Already the city has taken action. Workers are in place fixing the exposed party wall on a Garfield home. The city of Pittsburgh has permanently changed policy with regard to the teardown of dilapidated homes.

"We can't thank you enough Marty," said Rachel Serbin.

If you'd like Marty to help you solve your problem, email him at GetMarty@kdka.com.

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